CHUCK CARMEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Chuck Carmen has been the EACF’s Executive Director since 1994. Mr. Carmen has been selected by Southeast Association Magazine as one of the four most influential Executives in the Southeast and is a Board Member of the Florida Society of Association Executives. Chuck is the second Executive Director in EACF’s long history, and, is the longest serving Epilepsy Executive Director in Florida.
In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of EACF, his experience and knowledge has certified him as an “expert witness” where he has testified in numerous high profile cases. Personally he has conducted hundreds of presentations, seminars, and training programs on all aspects of epilepsy as well as becoming one of the nation’s leaders in the education and prevention of Shaken Baby Impact Syndrome.
CEIL LAYFIELD, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
BEVERLY KENNEDY, DIRECTOR OF PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
Bev Kennedy has been with EACF since 1996. She has coordinated all activities from the implementation to completion of EACF’s annual golf tournament/auction and developed Epilepsy Awareness Walks. She has conducted thousands of presentations, seminars and “train the trainer” sessions on epilepsy and shaken baby impact syndrome (SBIS) as well as advocating for persons with epilepsy. She is skilled and knowledgeable having presented at several state conferences, such as Florida School Health Association Conference and Special Olympic Conference.
She was instrumental in developing a national educational program on SBIS that has delivered nearly 15,000 educational videos and teaching curriculums to health educators, nurses, teachers and many more throughout the United States and internationally. She initiated a program distributing thousands of SBIS brochures to area hospitals to be placed in each new Mom’s take home packet to educate them on the dangers of SBIS. She has distributed thousands of bicycle helmets throughout four counties (Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard) and provided numerous trainings on how to fit a helmet. She was recognized by the Seminole County School Board as one of three top school educational presenters.
ALLYN BENCEN, EDUCATION SYSTEMS MANAGER
Allyn Bencen comes the EACF with a broad background in marketing, information technology and hospitality management. A graduate of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Allyn’s career took flight in Golf Management while he continued developing technical skills such as website design and mobile application development. After holding several positions in the Golf Industry from Outside Staff Manager, to Assistant Chef, to Cafe Manager, he got his first break in the field of technology as a web developer and then Search and Social Media Manager.
Allyn has taken a leading role in several charity fundraisers such as the 2008 Pink Ribbon Golf Classic held at Mystic Dunes Golf Club, benefitting the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the 2008 Aquaball held at SeaWorld, benefitting family programs for the Central Florida YMCA. He is an avid supporter of the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida and an active member of EpilepsyU.
EACF SOCIAL CASE WORKERS
PACHI MANGIONE, SENIOR CASE MANAGER
CATHY SPARKS, CASE MANAGER
Cathy has been with the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida since 2007. Previously, she held the position of the Florida Department of Health/Epilepsy Association of Central Florida contract auditor. As Eligibility Determinations Department Manager for the Orange County Health Department she not only provided training to staff, but maintained eligibility guidelines as required by Florida State Statutes. In addition, Cathy assisted with creating and implementing program guidelines for the first Primary Care Unit in Orange County for residents that were medically indigent.
Cathy’s community activities include volunteering for the annual gift-wrapping fund-raiser for the agency. She originated and implemented the now ever-popular, “FREE” car wash “fund-raiser” for the Oakridge High School Marching Band, and was responsible for managing the OHS football concession stand! Her love of animals is quite apparent by the numerous photos in her office, and includes an eclectic lovable menagerie of dogs, birds, cats and goats!
Cathy is an integral part of the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida providing fervent consideration and assistance to our clients afflicted by seizure disorders. Her attention to their individual needs broadens their ability to truly enjoy a quality-filled life.
JACKIE HEYLIGER
Jackie manages the Brevard region for EACF.
EACF VOLUNTEERS “EXTRORDINAIRE”
SANDY WILSON
ANITA BENTLEY
